Other spoken languages: English, Asian languages such as Urdu, Pashtu or Tagalo.

Official religion: Islam

Minorities: UAE nationals are only 20% of residents in the UAE (85% Sunni). The largest population group comprise Asians (Pakistanis and Sri blangadeshíes lankíes), followed by Arabic and Persian and Western expatriates. Apart from Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Buddhism is practiced.

Dominant actor(s): Abud Dhabi royal family (al-Nahyan and al-Nahayan) and royal families in each emirate.

Elected institutions of government: Federal National Council, a restricted electoral college choose 40 members of this body, with advisory powers.

Non-elected institutions of government: President of the Federation (through heredity, the emir of Abu Dhabi), the government (through heredity, the prime minister is the emir of Dubai) and local authorities.

Party system: No parties allowed.

Current authorities

Head of state: Jalifa bin Zayed al-Nahayan, since 2004. The Emir of Abu Dabi and President of the Federation.

Head of government: Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktum, since 2006

Minister of Foreign Affairs: Abdullah bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan

Minister of Interior: Sheikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan

Legislative Branch: There is only one chamber: the Federal National Council.